Renting a property should be a straight-forward process. We hope this guide will help you in your search and will show you how the process works from start to finish.
Viewings
Having discussed suitable properties with you either over the phone, by email or in person, we will arrange viewings for you. We will try to show properties to you at your preferred times but please be aware that we may have to consider the wishes of a current tenant. Having seen the property, if it is not suitable please tell us why. We will then be better placed to help you in your search and also we can advise the landlord of your feedback.
Placing an offer
Having completed a viewing, if you would like to rent the property then please let us know the details of your offer. Important points we will need to know are:
– The rental amount you are offering
– The term for which you would like to rent the property
– The date you would like the tenancy to commence
– Any other requests which you would like to form part of the agreement
– A little background on your employment details / studies
Once we have the details of your offer, we will contact the landlord of the property and discuss the details of your offer with him/her. Once we have discussed the offer we will contact you to inform you of the landlord’s thoughts. If your initial offer is not accepted then you have the opportunity to amend and re-submit it.
When an offer is accepted
When the landlord has accepted your offer, in order to move forward with the process we will ask you to pay a holding deposit (1 week rental, administration fee of £200 and £60 per tenant). This is required to reserve the property whilst references and agreements are prepared. If you withdraw from the proposed tenancy than the holding deposit received will be non refundable. If the landlord with- draws from the proposed tenancy than all monies paid will be refunded to the applicant.
Please note that if you are paying a holding deposit on the property that is currently occupied, it is your responsibility to established what furnishings will remain for the duration of your tenancy. Any requirements relating to the removal or supply of additional furnish- ing must be agreed in writing before the commencement of the tenancy.
Referencing
Oppida Estates are using recognized referencing company who provide a credit score and an extensive breakdown of the credit history of the applicant, Income and Previous Tenancy reports.
You can complete the reference form online and if you have any queries you can simply speak directly to the referencing company. Once the references have been completed they will be sent to us and we will then send copies to the landlord for his/her approval. Before the tenancy can proceed you need to provide us with a photo ID in the form of a passport or EU driving licence and proof of the address in the form of a bank statement or utility bill.
Payments
The first instalment of rent, deposit (equivalent to 6 weeks’ rent), an administration fee of £200 (£166.67 + VAT) and referencing fee (£50 + VAT per person) must be paid in cleared funds upon signing the tenancy agreement and before the keys are issued. The Holding Deposit will be deducted from the total amount due Thereafter, the rent is payable by standing order (unless agreed otherwise) to arrive on the rent due date as stated in the tenancy agreement. This means that the standing order must be set up so that the funds leave your account three days before the rent is due. This will include a deposit, normally equivalent to 6 weeks’ rent, the first month’s rent, Tenancy Agreement fee and referencing fee.
Deposits are held by Oppida Estates for all managed property for the duration of the tenancy in accordance with the terms of the tenancy agreement and where applicable Oppida Estates will register the deposit monies with a Deposit Protection Scheme (TDS) on the landlord’s behalf.
The start of your new tenancy
Oppida Estates will be instructed by the landlord as to what arrangements are to be made for the inventory and check-in. Inventory Check-ins and Check-outs are provided by a reputable independent inventory provider. The Inventory Clerk will list the items in the property along with a note of their condition. They will also take utility meter readings so you can be assured you will be billed correctly for the utilities you use during the tenancy. In due course you will receive a copy of the Inventory Clerk’s report for your safe-keeping. Once the clerk has completed the visit he/she will hand over the keys to you. Unless agreed otherwise, the landlord will be responsible for the cost of the inventory and check-in at the beginning of the tenancy.
The end of your tenancy
When you leave the property an independent Inventory Clerk will again visit in order to list the items and note the property’s condition (Check Out Inspection). The clerk’s report will be used to assess if the property has been returned in the same condition (barring any fair wear and tear). You will then be advised if it is proposed to make any deductions from your deposit. Unless agreed otherwise, the tenant will be liable for the cost of the check-out (and any missed appointments) at the end of the tenancy.
We hope this guide has been useful to you, but if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us.